ICU - Day - Advanced Practice Provider (APP)/(PA/NP)/ Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surge[...]

CU Denver; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO, invites applications for an ICU - Day NP/PA at Instructor level. The role focuses on comprehensive critical care management for postoperative cardiothoracic surgery patients in the CT ICU, with close collaboration across disciplines.

Daytime work with some nights, weekends, and holidays is expected, plus involvement in protocol development and quality improvement.

Qualifications

• Experienced in critical care management of postoperative cardiothoracic patients.
• Ability to manage ventilators and vasoactive medications.
• Eligibility for prescriptive authority.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage critically ill patients in the CT ICU with daily assessments.
• Perform procedures and coordinate care with surgical team and intensivists.
• Independently manage ventilators, ECMO, and temporary circulatory devices.
• Document care plans accurately in the EMR and participate in rounds.

Skills

Critical care

PA/NP

Ventilator management

ECMO support

Tools

EMR system

Job description

Faculty

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Job Title: ICU - Day NP/PA | Open Rank - Instructor, Sr. Instructor

Position #00839845 Requisition #37793

Job Summary:

The candidate will provide comprehensive critical care management to postoperative cardiothoracic surgical patients, including those undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, heart and lung transplants, and mechanical circulatory support. Specific duties of the position will include inpatient responsibilities such as rounding, writing orders, managing MCS, performing procedures, discharge planning, and participating in the care provided to cardiothoracic surgery patients while in the ICU. Close collaboration with attending physicians, residents, nurses, and allied health professionals is required. The APP will be integral to ensuring the highest standards of patient care, safety, and outcomes in a high-acuity, fast-paced environment. This is primarily a daytime position; however, the candidate is expected to work some nights, weekends, and holidays. The candidate will also be expected to participate in the development of protocols and quality improvement for the care of cardiothoracic surgery patients. Eligibility for prescriptive authority is required.

Typical Physical Demands:

The NP/PA position requires the ability to handle and lift patients and operate required equipment. The position may also require a stationary position or movement for extended periods as required during the provision of services. This position requires frequent communication and must be able to exchange accurate information. The NP/PA may also be exposed to communicable diseases and bodily fluids, and it is expected that the candidate will be appropriately knowledgeable regarding universal safety precautions.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage critically ill patients on the cardiothoracic surgery services lines while in the ICU. This includes a detailed history, physical and a full chart review represented with appropriate documentation detailing an assessment and care plan daily or as needed with change in clinical status.
• Evaluate and manage patients with urgent or emergent complaints in conjunction with the surgical team and intensivist.
• Perform comprehensive assessments, develop differential diagnoses, and initiate management plans for critically ill postoperative cardiac and thoracic patients.
• Independently manage ventilators, vasoactive medications, ECMO, and temporary mechanical circulatory devices under the supervision of CTICU intensivists or cardiothoracic surgeons.
• Perform procedures including central line placement, arterial line insertion, chest tube management, IABP management, bronchoscopy and more (as credentialed).
• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and actively contribute to care planning and coordination.
• Monitor patients' progress, interpret lab/imaging results, and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Document all assessments, procedures, and care plans accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams regarding care goals, interventions, and expected outcomes.
• Participate in research activities including the identification of patients appropriate for open clinical trials and facilitating their participation in clinical research.
• Attend required meetings and participate in committees as requested.
• Maintain competency and enhance professional growth and development through continuing education, conferences, and seminars. Attend mandatory training.
• Participate in quality improvement activities; assist in maintaining compliance with JCAHO accreditation and other internal and external regulatory standards.
• Support and uphold established organizational policies, procedures, objectives related to quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control.
• Participate in the application process and development of a Center of Excellence designation as required.
• Maintain patient confidentiality
• Demonstrate collaboration, excellent communication, and teamwork across disciplines.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the CU School of Medicine has a faculty position available for a Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) at the rank of Instructor. The cardiothoracic surgery service at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) is a high volume, high acuity service providing tertiary level care across the entire spectrum of cardiothoracic surgery. Under the direction of the full-time faculty, this position provides critical care services to cardiothoracic surgery patients housed in the CT ICU.

Why work for the University?

We haveAMAZINGbenefits and offerexceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses